al dente

adjective

al den·​te äl-ˈden-(ˌ)tā How to pronounce al dente (audio)
al-
: cooked just enough to retain a somewhat firm texture
al dente pasta
al dente adverb
pasta cooked al dente

Examples of al dente in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Cook pasta: Cook pasta until al dente in a large Dutch oven; drain. Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 15 May 2024 Cook pasta and ground beef: Cook pasta until al dente; drain and transfer to a large bowl; let cool slightly. Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 9 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for al dente 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'al dente.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Italian; literally, to the tooth

First Known Use

1920, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of al dente was in 1920

Dictionary Entries Near al dente

Cite this Entry

“Al dente.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/al%20dente. Accessed 1 Jun. 2024.

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